American Express

January 13, 2023 3 min read

Many of us experience eye strain after extended periods of working on the computer. This can manifest as dryness, discomfort, or even fatigue. In this technologically advanced society, we are exposed to computer and phone screens for long periods. Taking care of your vision and reducing the symptoms of dry eye disease is the key to achieving lasting comfort in your eyes.

What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?

With the increased use of technology, our eyes are being forced to focus on close-up objects for a long time. This can cause a lot of discomfort, especially in individuals with eye problems, known as computer vision syndrome. CVS is more likely to occur the longer you look at digital screens and can affect children.

Eye Strain and Computer Use

Using computers for a long time can make your eyes feel dry and tired and worsen any existing eye strain. Prolonged computer use can cause eye fatigue, leading to more serious issues if left unchecked. Here are two actions related to computer use that eventually lead to eye strain:

Too Much Near-Vision Work

Staring at a digital device for prolonged periods can be tiring for the eyes. Our eyes require frequent shifts in focus and distance throughout the day but staring at a computer or phone for too long keeps our gaze fixed on one area. This can cause the eye muscles to become tense, leading to other uncomfortable symptoms. To prevent this, it's important to give our eyes regular breaks and let them move around in different directions.

Squinting From Screen Glare

The light coming off your computer screen can be annoying and distracting. It can cause your eyes to strain as you squint to focus, leading to uncomfortable eye fatigue. To avoid this, it's best to place your computer in a spot free from bright, direct sunlight. Also, consider using an anti-glare screen protector to reduce the intensity of light coming off the screen. Doing this will help reduce eye strain and make it easier to work for longer periods.

Dry Eye and Computer Use

It's becoming increasingly common for people to spend a lot of time in front of digital screens, such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. Since it's not always possible to avoid using computers, it's important to understand how spending too much time looking at digital screens can cause dry eyes, a condition known as computer vision syndrome (CVS). Here are two actions that lead to dry eye:

Lower Blink Rate

When we are on a computer, we tend to blink less than when we engage in other activities. On average, we blink about five times per minute while using a computer, whereas we normally blink twelve times per minute during other activities. Not blinking as much reduces the amount of tears that are brought to our eyes, which can make them feel dry and irritated. Blinking regularly when using a computer is important to keep our eyes healthy and moisturized.

Lack of Hydration

Staying focused on a task for hours can make us forget basic needs. One of them is hydration. Doctors suggest that each person drinks 2 to four liters of water, depending on their body size. When we are dehydrated, dry eye will become worse. So remember to drink water while you work on the computer or play video games!

Conclusion

Computer vision syndrome is a common condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. It is caused by the prolonged use of digital devices and can manifest in various ways, such as headaches, eyestrain, blurred vision, and dry eyes. It is important to take regular breaks from digital devices and practice good ergonomics when using them. Getting preventative eye care and regularly visiting the eye doctor is also necessary. These steps can help those who use digital devices reduce their computer vision syndrome risk and maintain good vision health.

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What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Eye Strain and Computer Use

Too Much Near-Vision Work

Squinting From Screen Glare

Dry Eye and Computer Use

Lower Blink Rate

Lack of Hydration

Conclusion